Ekaterina Gamova penetrates the German block on her way to 20 points and a win for her side

Quanzhou, China, August 12, 2011 – World champions Russia began their second weekend of the 2011 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix in perfect style on Friday as they saw off Germany in straight sets (25-18, 25-19, 25-21) in Pool G in Quanzhou China.

The side now extend their winning streak to four victories after coming through last weekend unscathed.

2011 FIVB Volleyball World Grand
PrixAugust 5-28

Russia began with a strong line-up, including the returning Ekaterina Gamova. while Germany were led by captain Christiane Fürst.

Russia opened up a lead from the off with Gamova attacking across the court. Even when she rotated to the back row, she was also able to pose a threat to her opponents by dropping and serving. Germany were unable to respond early on as the Russians bounded into the lead. Germany tried adapting to their main attack pattern through quick attacks from middle hitters and wing spikers but were still held back by a Russian team finding their feet. The set eventually ended to the advantage of the world champions.

It was much of the same story in the second as Russia continued to attack from all over the court. Germany’s Margareta Kozuch tried to bring her side back into the match through back row attacks but failed as she was stuffed by the Russians several times as they again picked up the set to move further into the lead.

In the third set, Germany sent some bench players on court in an attempt to try and change the pace. With a younger, fresher team on the court the side opened up, taking a four point lead. But it didn’t’ last for long as the Russians came storming back to take the set and with it the match.